E-bikes
Basin Recreation and Park City Municipal completed a community survey in 2023 to evaluate the use of electric assisted bikes (e-bikes) on trails and pathways. Summit County carefully evaluated the community feedback and found that clear and concise e-bike regulations were supported by the residents of Summit County. In August of 2024, these regulations were put into place.
As part of our commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all trail users, we want to ensure everyone is informed about the regulations regarding e-bikes in Summit County. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these guidelines.
An electric assisted bike, or e-bike, is a bicycle with a motor that does not exceed a power output of 750 watts, has fully operable pedals that were permanently affixed from the manufacturer, and is fully capable of operating as a bicycle without the electric motor. There are three classifications of e-bikes:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
- Class 2: Pedal-assisted, throttle assisted, and a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
- Class 3: Pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.
If you have a motor that is over 750 watts, the ability to exceed 20 mph or greater on motor power alone, and do not have permanently affixed pedals from the manufacturer, this is NOT an e-bike. Electric motorcycles are NOT permitted on the Snyderville Basin Trail System.
E-bikes are allowed on commuter, multi-use pathways defined as paved or soft-surface trails 8 feet or wider.
E-bikes are NOT permitted on single track trails.
Exceptions apply for riders on a Class 1 e-bike age 65 or older or persons with mobility disabilities. A permit or courtesy tag for exempt riders is not required.
An individual:
- Under 8 years old: may not operate an e-bike with the electric motor engaged on any public property, highway, path, or sidewalk.
- Under 14 years old: may not operate an e-bike with the electric motor engaged on any public property, highway, path, or sidewalk unless the individual is under the direct supervision of the individual’s parent or guardian.
- Under 16 years old: may not operate a class 3 electric assisted bicycle.
Additional information regarding electric assisted bicycle age regulations is available in Utah Code 41-6a-1115.5.
All bikes, including e-bikes, must comply with the 15-mph speed limit on commuter multi-use pathways.
Motor vehicles and e-motorcycles, including Sur-ron and Talaria brands, are not classified as e-bikes and are prohibited on the Snyderville Basin Trail System.
For a general rule of thumb, your mode of transportation is NOT allowed on the Snyderville Basin Trail System if you have one (1) of the following:
- There are no permanently affixed pedals from the manufacture
- It has the ability to exceed 20 mph or greater on motor power alone
- The motor is 750 watts or more
- Multiple operating modes and a throttle are equipped and one or more modes can exceed 20 mph on motor power alone.
This includes mopeds, electric scooters, and onewheels.
Enforcement & Compliance
It is the Basin Recreation Ranger’s duty to educate the public on e-bike regulations and report any non-compliant activity to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
Non-compliance may result in fines or other penalties. We encourage all e-bike users to be mindful of the e-bike regulations and respect the shared use of the Snyderville Basin Trail System.
Basin Recreation Staff, along with law enforcement and emergency services, are exempt from any use restriction on trails as outlined in the Summit County Code Ordinance 981.